Before there was iPod...

In 1992 Sony launched the MiniDisc (MD) as an attempt to replace audio cassette technologies. The MiniDisc was developed based on magneto-optical storage media that allowed for writing and rewriting of stored information. The fact that the data could be quickly accessed without the need to scroll through an entire tape made this technology very promising for ease of use over the cassette. The data compression format known as ATRAC (Adaptive Transform Acoustic Coding) was used to allow the audio files to fit on the MiniDisc. In fact, at the SP compression ratio of 292kbps, 60 to 80 minutes of music could be stored on a single disk. Even at CD quality, 20 to 28 minutes of music could be stored on the MiniDisc.

The first MiniDisc based machine was the MZ-1 recorder. The problem with this machine was mainly that it had a cost of more than $750.00. It had an optical line input, audio line input, and microphone input jack. It had an audio output. Some of the earliest versions had an optical line output, but this feature was discontinued. Sony licensed MiniDisc tecnhology to a variety of companies such as Sharp, Panasonic, and Kenwood. It was only a matter of time before all of these companies had released their own lines of MiniDisc players and recorders. MiniDisc players were also developed by Sony for use in the home and car in 1994. All of these efforts yielded no results in North America and Europe, where people seemed content with cassettes for recording and CDs for music purchases. But in East Asia, the MiniDisc took hold and reigned as the top audio format medium through the rest of the 1990s.

In 2000, Sony launched the MiniDisc Long Play (MDLP) format. In the form of LP2, the MiniDisc player could compress audio at 132kbps for up to 80 to 160 minutes per disc. In the LP4 format, the audio could be compressed at 66kbps for up to 320 minutes of audio per disc. But a big difference existed in how the stereo channels were recorded between these two MiniDisc Long Play formats. The LP2 used the same discrete left and right audio channels as the original MiniDisc SP format, while the LP4 began the use of joint stereo encoding.

To keep up with the new MP3 players hitting the market, Sony developed its NetMD for launch in 2002. The NetMD featured a USB connector for exchanging music files with a personal computer. However, in order to use NetMD on your computer, you would have to install their SonicStage (SS) software. Many people found that SonicStage was problematic. In some cases, it froze their computer systems. In other cases it used up a lot of system resources, had file transfer errors, and put restrictions on how often files could be transferred. Though Sony quickly came up with an update called SonicStage CP (SSCP), which was more usable. Their reputation was so tarnished by the original SonicStage that many former NetMD users still won't purchase Sony products.

Other people don't use Sony products anymore because of deceptive claims Sony made about NetMD on the NetMD product boxes and on the Sony NetMD website. Sony claimed the NetMD would be able to play MP3 files. What they didn't bother to mention was that the MP3 files would not be played natively but would have to be re-encoded by SonicStage into ATRAC format during the file transfer process. This not only meant that the sound quality of the MP3 files would be tarnished, but also that file transfers to the NetMD could take several hours.

It didn't help that Sony did not provide good product information to NetMD retailers. All during this time NetMD retailers were telling their customers that files could be transferred from the NetMD to their personal computers. Many people ended up deleting their original files on their computers after transfer only to find out later that they couldn't copy their NetMD files back onto their computers.

In 2004, Sony made a variety of fixes and upgrades to their MiniDisc product line with the release of the Hi-MD. Things such as USB two-way file transfers could now be done. For the first time, recordings could be uploaded from the recorder to the computer but only files that were recorded in the Hi-MD format. But for many former MiniDisc customers it was too late, as too much damage had been done to Sony's credibility. In addition to Sony, only Onkyo even bothered to make mini-component systems and home stereos using Hi-MD. But Kenwood, Teac, and Marantz still have MDLP systems on the market, even though Hi-MD is backwards compatible with the previous MiniDisc formats. Hi-MD contains 1 gigabyte of memory and records in PCM, otherwise known as WAV.

In April 2006, Sony came out with the MZ-RH1 portable Hi-MD recorder. This recorder went the extra step, not only could Hi-MD recordings be uploaded but also recordings made prior to the introduction of Hi-MD could be uploaded. Without blatantly admitting it, Sony was giving MD users the chance to upload all their MD recordings to computer so the files could be transferred to other formats as the MD-age was now coming to a close.

A whole generation in East Asia has now grown up using the MiniDisc formats. Many people have become hardcore fans. Many people haven't found a viable alternative for making real-time copies of music for replay without requiring the clunky intervention and use of a computer. Many people now collect MiniDisc systems just as a hobby. But the MiniDisc systems live on in popular usage because many people just want to be able to grab whatever they hear to hear again later.

Alpine Living Air Classic – Taking A Closer Look

For more than a decade, Americans have been becoming increasingly aware that the air that they breathe in their homes is generally not of good quality. Between cooking and pet odors, mold, mildew, the widespread use of plastic materials, and carcinogenic cleaning products, many feel that their inside air has been compromised. What do consumers do? Purchase an air purifier. In 1998 I was given the gift of an Alpine Living Air Classic machine. It has been touted as an ideal solution for problem air. Let’s see if the product lives up to its billing.

As far as air purifiers go, the Alpine Living Air Classic [now sold by EcoQuest International] is neither cheap nor does it look cheap. Weighing 19 pounds, the “Classic” is housed in a wooden cabinet available to consumers in four colors: dark walnut, light oak, putty, and black. It is a solid unit with a thick six foot electrical cord. Claiming coverage of up to 3,000 square feet most homes could operate with just one unit although a second one might be needed if your house is large, indoor air pollution is high, or you have high humidity. Prices currently start at $549 so it is no cheap investment.

How does it work? The unit produces ozone which coupled with an active fan it reproduces and spreads the clean, fresh scent of a thunderstorm throughout your home. Okay, I am parroting some of the marketing material...I had to because it isn’t that easy to describe.

So, does it work? As far as producing the ‘thunderstorm scent’ it certainly does. As far as getting rid of pollutants, odors, and the like I cannot tell you for sure that it does. Indeed there has been plenty of controversy and government rulings against the reported claims of air purifiers over the years by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency {EPA}, Consumer’s Union [they produce Consumer’s Report magazine], and the American Lung Association.

The EPA has this to say, “whether in its pure form or mixed with other chemicals, ozone can be harmful to health. When inhaled, ozone can damage the lungs. Relatively low amounts of ozone can cause chest pain, coughing, shortness of breath and, throat irritation. It may also worsen chronic respiratory diseases such as asthma as well as compromise the ability of the body to fight respiratory infections." They go on to say, “some studies show that ozone concentrations produced by ozone generators can exceed health standards even when one follows manufacturer’s instructions. Many factors affect ozone concentrations including the amount of ozone produced by the machine(s), the size of the indoor space, the amount of material in the room with which ozone reacts, the outdoor ozone concentration, and the amount of ventilation. These factors make it difficult to control the ozone concentration in all circumstances."

In conclusion, the EPA states: “Available scientific evidence shows that, at concentrations that do not exceed public health standards, ozone is generally ineffective in controlling indoor air pollution.” The concentration of ozone would have to greatly exceed health standards to be effective in removing most indoor air contaminants. In the process of reacting with chemicals indoors, ozone can produce other chemicals that themselves can be irritating and corrosive.

As you can imagine, I no longer use my Alpine Living Air Classic. It sits in my office, unplugged, and working well in its new role as a coffee cup holder while I work on my computer. Frankly, the claims made against this unit made by the federal government and others are certainly frightening.

So, how do I achieve clean air today? Again, by visiting the EPA’s site I have learned that there are 3 common approaches to reducing indoor air pollution:

Source Control: Eliminate or control the sources of pollution;

Ventilation: Dilute and exhaust pollutants through outdoor air ventilation, and

Air Cleaning: Remove pollutants through proven air cleaning methods.

Of the three, the first approach -- source control -- is the most effective. This involves minimizing the use of products and materials that cause indoor pollution, employing good hygiene practices to minimize biological contaminants (including the control of humidity and moisture, and occasional cleaning and disinfection of wet or moist surfaces), and using good housekeeping practices to control particles.

The second approach -- outdoor air ventilation -- is also effective and commonly employed. Ventilation methods include installing an exhaust fan close to the source of contaminants, increasing outdoor air flows in mechanical ventilation systems, and opening windows, especially when pollutant sources are in use.

The third approach -- air cleaning -- is not generally regarded as sufficient in itself, but is sometimes used to supplement source control and ventilation. Air filters, electronic particle air cleaners and ionizers are often used to remove airborne particles, and gas adsorbing material is sometimes used to remove gaseous contaminants when source control and ventilation are inadequate.

If you are intent on purchasing any air purifier, I recommend that you first do plenty of independent research apart from what the marketers tell you. By following the 3 methods stressed by the EPA you should be able to achieve acceptable indoor cleanliness without resorting to purchasing expensive – even dangerous – air sanitization equipment.

For more information please read:

The EPA’s Position:

www.epa.gov/iaq/pubs/ozonegen.html

Some Air Purifiers May Produce Dangerous Levels of Ozone:

http://www.ewire.com/display.cfm/Wire_ID/2456

What is Ozone Air Pollution?

http://www.alaw.org/air_quality/indoor_air_quality/ozone_generatiors.html

Advantages of Buying the Latest Electronic Gadgets Online, and How You Can Get It before Anyone Else

Everyone likes to see and try out the newest electronic gadgets. For someone that is normally hard to buy for or someone who just likes to upgrade or add to their collections, buying an innovative new gadget will satisfy their curiosity and interest. Some gadgets are not practical or necessarily useful, but they all have a unique function.

Electronic gadgets are not just for computer geeks or children. There are such a wide variety of devices now that any age will be able to get use from a gadget. The next generation will always be looking for cool new gadgets and accessories.

Why Buy Online

Buying electronic gadgets online gives you a chance to get it before anyone else. Finding new products as they come out would take a lot of time in driving around to different stores, as well as the expense of traveling. It is much easier and less stressful to shop right from your home or office computer.

Taking time to check out different websites will give you a chance to compare products and prices. Instead of spending time going to several stores to check, you can spend less time looking at a large variety of websites. Saving time will also help you to get it before anyone else. And, browsing sites will give you many great gift ideas.

Find New Products and Get It Before Anyone Else

Finding new products is easier online because you can check websites as often as you want, every day or more, and it just takes a few minutes. Bookmark the sites that interest you the most and they will just be a click away.

Some websites offer free shipping on orders of a certain amount. This would save the expense of shipping or gasoline if you had to drive to a store to buy it. If you find a unique product on a website, you could order immediately and get it before anyone else.

Shop Around Online

Most websites have online catalogs where you can search the different products they offer on the site. This gives you a chance to review a wide selection of products that often is not available in retail stores. You can search by subject or type in a keyword for a specific product that you want.

Finding the lowest prices and best deals is easy. It is so convenient to take advantage of their information and comments. Some sites feature customers' emails and comments. You can check out a product before you buy and decide if you want to get it before anyone else.

Many websites allow you to register a wish list. This way you can keep track of what you are watching for on a certain page. Also, some sites let you put in requests for a product or subject you are interested in finding.

Take advantage of modern technology and shop online. There are many reasons to shop on the Web. The convenience and the amount of variety give you a big jump on other shoppers. Start surfing for gadgets now and get it before anyone else!

A Guide To Plasma Televisions

One of the newest additions in television technology, Plasma Televisions are the 21st century display devices which are fast becoming a popular choice among television viewers. Plasma televisions have higher resolution and quality performance than other conventional televisions; they guarantee crisp and clear images, and superior quality.

Plasma televisions became a reality after the successful invention of the plasma display panel in 1964, by Donald L. Bitzer and H. Gene Slottow at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Embracing a unique technology, Plasma televisions produce pictures from a combination of inert gases such as xenon and neon. When the gas is charged using electrodes, the atoms collide with each other and release energy in the form of invisible ultra violet (UV) light. The light is then focused on the three phosphors (red, green, and blue) and a brilliant picture is produced.

Plasma televisions come as Enhanced Definition TV (EDTV) with a resolution of 852x480 and the Higher Definition TV (HDTV) featuring a native resolution of 1024x768. Plasma televisions have a high widescreen aspect ratio - the ratio between the width and height of the screen. As plasma televisions do not use any electron beams like the conventional ones, they are immune to the effects of magnetic fields. They offer a wider viewing angle and accurate image reproduction. Plasma televisions are slim and space-saving and can even be hung on a wall. Moreover, most of the plasma televisions come with a flat screen which eliminates edge distortion.

Plasma televisions can be used in meeting rooms, corporate offices, and network control rooms. They are ideal choices for home-theater enthusiasts. On account of quality performance in ambient light, plasma televisions are widely opted for teleconferencing.

A countless number of retail and online stores specialize in plasma television sale. Due to their inherent merits, plasma televisions are becoming the most demanded alternative to the standard CRT and projection televisions.

Air Tools

COMPRESSORS  come with or without air storage tanks. Compact compressors generally use a diaphragm type pump powered be an electric motor. Since the capacity of the compact compressor is limited, they are primarily used for hobby and light spray painting. Compact compressors do have the capacity to run glue guns, inflate low pressure tires and sports equipment. The unit must run continuously, since there is no reserve tank on the compact compressor. Using connecting rods sealed in oil free bearings provides and oil free air supply. Compact compressors generally have wheels and a handle for easy pulling. They weigh around 30 lbs. and commonly have a ½ hp engine. Designed similar to the cylinder/piston mechanism of an automobile are the piston type compressors. Utilizing a gas or electric motor to drive the pump unit, these compressors will have either one or two cylinders, depending on the compressor’s size. Piston compressors are more durable and offer a greater work capacity. These compressors, in the past, required lubrication for the piston and cylinder. Oil free piston compressors are now available and, having self lubricating parts, perform as well as or better than conventional compressors. Horsepower ratings on compressors refers to the motor that powers the pump unit. The higher the horsepower equates to a more powerful compressor with greater work capacity. Other ratings include cubic feet per minute (cfm) which is the volume of air that the compressor supplies. The size and number of tools operating from the compressor will determine the amount of cfm required. The amount of air pressure generated by the compressor is referred to as psi or pounds per square inch. Tools also have a psi rating, which must be considered when matching the tools to the compressor. Gasoline powered compressors are desirable for use where air tools are needed away from a source of electricity. Eye protection should always be worn when operating air tools. Air powered tools have high power and fast rotation. TOOLS Sizing of the tool intake (1/4”, 3/8”,1/2”,3/4” and 1”) will determine the size of connectors attached to the air hose as well as the psi and cfm required to operate the air tool. Some of the most popular tools include blow gun, drill, grease gun, grinder, hammer, impact wrench, nail gun, stapler, ratchet, sand blaster, sander, saw spray gun, tire chuck, tire inflator, die grinder and riveter. Kits are also available to adapt and compliment the use of air tools.

Bagless Vacuum Cleaners – Better Value in the Long Run

Ever since the early nineteen nineties, bagless vacuum cleaners have been chipping away at the market dominance of their bagged vacuum cleaner counterpart. Claiming to best the bagged variety of cleaner in a number of different ways, bagless vacuum cleaners generally carry a higher price tag too. For the most part, you get what you pay for with bagless vacuum cleaners; so even if you are on a budget, don’t let the price tag put you off.

Purchasing a vacuum cleaner is, for most people, a necessary evil, and many of us try to spend as little of our hard earned cash on these household cleaners as we possibly can. For this reason, the price of bagless vacuum cleaners can seem a little like a waste of money. But even if all the talk of continuous vacuum cleaning power and no loss of suction doesn’t convince you, bagless vacuum cleaners really can be well worth the price.

For a start, bagless vacuum cleaners don’t require the regular investment involved in purchasing vacuum cleaner bags. It’s true that bagless vacuum cleaners do require maintenance, but what cleaner doesn’t, and the best vacuum bagless vacuum cleaners will offer filters that can be washed several times before requiring replacement. This factor alone is significant enough to a large number of consumers to push any bagless vacuum cleaner rating up a few notches.

While they do involve a larger initial expenditure, the best bagless vacuum cleaners will be sturdily made and should last a long time. Check out a bagless vacuum cleaner rating before you choose the cleaner for you, as these are invaluable in providing you with the inside scoop on bagless vacuum cleaners. Read the words of the consumers who have been there before you to ensure that you get one of the best bagless vacuum cleaners for you.

There’s no denying that bagless vacuum cleaners tend to be more expensive than their bagged counterparts, but any bagless vacuum cleaner rating will testify that you really do get a better clean with a vacuum that’s easy to maintain. And while there are a few cheap bagless vacuum cleaners available, it’s best to steer clear of them and opt for a sturdily made cleaner produced by a reliable manufacturer. Once you spend a little extra investing in bagless vacuum cleaners, you won’t ever go back to bagged.

A Tale of VoIP Billing Woe

We recently signed up with a Voice Over Internet Protocol provider at work. At the beginning there was a lot of hesitation to use a technology we thought was considerably young. Even though in technology age it's pretty old, having been created in the mid 90's. Still, there were a lot of concerns about reliability and use. Previously nobody in the office had, had any familiarity with with Voice Over Internet Protocol, which is often shortened to VoIP, and pronounced voyp.

At the beginning things were frustrating, and we quickly learned that you shouldn't have your VoIP tied to an unreliable internet connection. Also, we quickly discovered that using our VoIP for faxing was going to be inconvenient. On top of that we signed up with a service provider who was less than helpful. One particularly disturbing incident was just recently resolved. After a couple months with our VoIP we noticed a discrepancy in our bill. We had signed on for auto-bill pay and when we looked at our bills we noticed that our monthly charges had jumped from the original quote of $39.99, to nearly double. When I called our provider they explained that when we had signed up they had given us a "free" extra line. However, after a couple months the offer had expired and the second line was no longer free. What made the experience even more aggravating was the second line cancellation fee which was something like $40.00. After talking with the timid operator, who recognized my situation for what it was, a scam, he agreed to drop the cancellation charge. But we were still out almost $100.00 in charges for that second line.

This experience left the business with a sour taste in our corporate mouth. This wasn't so much due to VoIP, but to our VoIP provider. It was unfortunate that we didn't do the research necessary to find a quality VoIP provider.

During this whole experience we placed calls to other providers, and we quickly discovered that we had jumped the gun in selecting our voice over IP provider. These other companies seemed twice as friendly and a far better deal over all. However, doing this research was like pouring salt into an already gaping wound.

When we had selected our provider, we had merely glanced at the top three VoIP companies out there. After a brief comparison between companies we made our decision. Part of the problem was that our decision was made in haste. This was because we were a start up company and needed a phone number quickly. Having an operational phone were our customers could reach us was more important than heavy research on voice over IP providers. On top of that we had to have advertisements made and business cards printed. So much in business revolves around that phone number and we needed it fast. That haste decision has cost us an extra $100.00 so far, plus the additional stress associated with working with a less than hospitable company.

I'm writing this all down so you can avoid the pitfalls that I encountered. During the time of frustration with our current VoIP provider we discovered that there were lots of smaller companies out there, who offered sometimes more for less than what we are currently paying. If only we had done a little searching we could have made this discovery and avoided a massive headache. I've penned this cautionary tale in order to encourage you to seek out these smaller and lesser known providers.

Currently, things have become a little bit better. But it still hurts to pay our provider every month knowing that there are companies out there who are willing to provide us the same service with a smile. We would cancel with our current VoIP provider but they have forced us to live in fear. Fear of having to go through it all again. Not only would canceling their service come with a charge, but it might also mean we would have to go through the headache all again. It's the cowards way I know, but it's more convenient then the alternative.

Using voice over internet protocol has been great. We get our voice messages in emails, and phone calls can be routed to our cell phones if we have to step out. As far as I'm concerned I wouldn't want anything else in the office. I only wish I had gone with some other VoIP provider. The good news is, you still can, and even I can in a year or two. So do the research and find the right VoIP provider for you. You won't regret it.